Fire-ravaged towns in East Gippsland brace for flash flooding, landslides

Heavy rainfall that lashed parts of Sydney and caused flash flooding is expected to hit East Gippsland towns which are still recovering from the devastating bushfires.

Areas hit hard by Victoria’s devastating bushfires are now preparing for heavy rain.. Picture: Alex Coppel.

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Parts of Victoria hit by devastating bushfires this summer could soon be swamped by flash flooding.

Emergency warnings have been issued for towns in the state’s far east with heavy rain and possible landslides predicted.

Several fire-ravaged towns are bracing for heavy rain. Picture: Alex Coppel

Heavy rain has been forecast for eastern Victoria early on Monday with possible flooding in far East Gippsland catchments from the afternoon.

Heavy machinery has been set up and emergency response teams put on standby at Orbost and Genoa for potential flooding, landslides and debris on roads.

Bureau Of Meteorology senior forecaster Keris Arndt said heavy rainfall lashing the coast of NSW was expected to hit Victoria on Monday.

“The really heavy stuff will be on the border but some will slip over into Victoria overnight,’’ he said.

“The big falls, exceeding 600mm, will be east of Orbost mostly in mountain areas.’’

He said areas hit by bushfires could be more susceptible to flash flooding.

“Where it’s been fire affected, flash flooding can be a lot quicker and a lot more dangerous,’’ he said.

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Mr Arndt said there was also a flood watch for Cann, Genoa and Snowy River catchments.

The SES advised people to never walk, ride or drive through floodwater or allow children to play in it and stay away from waterways and drains during and after heavy rain.

Emergency Information is available at http://emergency.vic.gov.au or call the SES on 132 500.